Igniting Fitness Possibilities

Igniting Fitness Possibilities (IFP) is an inclusive physical activity program that aims to foster a passion for physical activity among children and youth (grades 1-3, 4-6, 6-8, 8-12).

Our goal is to help children and youth gain a positive attitude towards physical activity and its benefits, develop the confidence to try new community-wide physical activities and form new friendships, and be motivated to continue future physical activity and set goals to stay active.

What's involved

IFP is a two-stage program (QuickStart and Give it a Try) for participants to engage in inclusive and fun sport, game and fitness sessions with the support of knowledgeable instructors and a personal coach.

Phase 1: QuickStart

A 16-week stage offered once per week and involved non-competitive, teamwork-based games. This first phase of IFP provides children and youth an opportunity to explore their interests in physical activity to decide on a 'best-fit' program to pursue in the second phase of IFP.

Each participant is paired with an IFP coach whom they meet weekly outside of the QuickStart session to learn, practice, and reflect upon their development. These coaching sessions allow for children and youth to explore their interests in physical activity and to set individualized goals.

Phase 2: Give it a Try

An 8- to 12-week stage for participants to move into an existing physical activity program within their community that matches their interests and abilities based on their QuickStart experiences. Examples include swimming lessons, yoga classes, and soccer. One-on-one coaching sessions continue outside of the chosen Give it a Try program to support individuals' goal pursuits.

Who can participate?

Any child or youth in grades 1 through 12 who want to become more physically active can participate in IFP. This program is for children and youth of all abilities. We do our best to help every participant have fun, be challenged, and meet their goals. Children and youth who have a disability should be able to walk or move quickly with or without a walking device OR use a manual wheelchair independently in a gym setting. All children and youth should feel comfortable or eager to learn to play co-operative games with a group of kids their own age.

Upcoming programs

Who: Youth in grades 7 through 10

When: October 4, 2017- February 28, 2018, every Wednesday (with a 4-week break during December). Sessions run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 16 weeks (QuickStart) and then Give it a Try runs after QuickStart.

Where: Junior Blues, The Athletic Centre, University of Toronto

55 Harbord St, Toronto ON (Corner Spadina just north of Dundas Street)

“There was lots of variety… [My coach] taught me how to play new games…Do it again in the winter please.” - Participant, Grades 4 to 6

"My son has never wanted to sign up for a physical activity program before. This is the first time and it has really paid off.” - Parent

“QuickStart gave kids a chance to lead, build confidence as well as both social and physical skills that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to develop at school.” - IFP Coach

"The kids really bonded. As the program went on, they became even more aware of how to include everyone in each activity." - IFP Instructor

Partner with us

We are proud to partner with several leading organizations.

These include:

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and its research institute, the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, Variety Village, Abilities Centre, Pickering All Abilities Soccer Club, and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.

The IFP program is supported by funding from Chillin' For Kids, GoodLife Kids Foundation, the Milos Raonic Foundation, National Bank, Connaught New Research Award and the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.